Stiletto Diaries™

Tigers Love Pepper (They Hate Cinnamon)

Posted on December 24th, 2010 in Are You Gonna Eat That?, Made In Alberta, Three's Company

It’s Christmas Eve, and despite the fact that I still have quite a number of tasks to complete, I felt like writing (and I may not get a chance to update until sometime after Boxing Day).

This is the first Christmas we’ve had in Alberta where we were not traveling on Christmas Day.  You have no idea what a relief and a stress that is, all at the same time.  I’m glad we don’t have to pack up the kids and the dogs and the whole nine yards and trek across the country side to either of our parents houses.  I’m glad I don’t have to be party to the inevitable tension or exasperation that comes from forcing two dozen people to partake in a family get-together when half of them don’t seem to want to be there.  I’m slightly stressed at having to cook Christmas dinner (not that I haven’t done just that the years we were in Ontario) but that is par for the course around here.  I’m so happy that all five of us get to be under one roof for Christmas.  I’m happy that we are having X and one of Aiden’s co-workers over for dinner, both of whom would otherwise be alone on Christmas.

That’s really what it’s about, you know.  We have plenty, and there is ALWAYS room for one more at the table.  It’s a good feeling to be able to celebrate in a way that I feel really reflects the spirit of the season.  I also got to play sneaky secret Santa this year for someone who is having a rough time lately.  I didn’t get their special care package mailed off quite in time for it to arrive before Christmas Day, but hopefully it will be a pleasant surprise in the days between now and New Years Eve.  They have no idea it’s coming, but it’s filled with a number of nice things that I thought would bring some cheer, and also remind the recipient that there are people who care about them.

Tonight we are going to The Festival Of Lights as a family, and then coming home to open our Christmas Eve gift (which is always new pajamas).  My mum admitted to starting the pj’s on Christmas Eve tradition so that we would all look nice for the Christmas morning photos, but I think it’s sweet, and so we continue it every year here in Chez Gibson.  Then we shall bundle the younglings off to bed, so that Santa can visit.

I’ve gotten a ton of baking done, and given out pretty boxes filled with goodies to friends.  We have plenty of treats for Christmas dinner tomorrow.  Today I am hoping *fingers crossed* that I can make fudge on snow with the kids and the guys.  That is another old family tradition of ours, but I haven’t made fudge in many years, so it seems a bit daunting.  I am sure it will be wonderful though (I will try to remember to take some photos).

I’m off to pick up a few last minute groceries for tomorrow, but I hope all of you have Happy Holidays, however you chose to celebrate (or not).  I likely won’t have much time for posting between now and January 1st, as we will be preparing for our big luau party, but I hope to get a lot more writing done in 2011.  Hopefully it will be less chaotic, but more on that later.

Have a wonderful weekend!